Sheffield United: Che Adams in talks over his Blades future after Birmingham City bids

Chris Wilder has held talks with Che Adams to discuss his future at Bramall Lane as Birmingham City consider making a third approach for the England youth international.

Sheffield United’s board of directors rejected an improved bid from Gary Rowett’s side towards the end of last week and Wilder, the League One club’s manager, responded by selecting Adams in the team which beat Handsworth Parramore 5-1.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder

City, who have now seen offers potentially worth £1.2m and £1.7m turned down by Bramall Lane’s hierarchy, remain interested in Adams despite indicating they are now pursuing alternative transfer targets. Although Wilder will privately be hoping the matter is resolved before United’s visit to Bolton Wanderers this weekend, he told The Star: “It’s all part and parcel (of football). Wherever lads find themselves, the first thing they’ve got to do is make sure they’re right to get into our first team or somebody else’s. We don’t ask a lot, just keep going and stay motivated. I’ve said to Che ‘whatever the situation, whether you go to a Championship or a Premier League club, that’s fantastic for you because of where you have been not so long ago. And if you don’t go, then you are here with us at another fantastic football club. Don’t worry about what might happen. Just get your head down and enjoy this stage of your career.’ He’s doing that.”

Adams, who scored during United’s final warm-up fixture ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Wanderers, commanded an undisclosed sum after leaving Ilkeston in 2014. Although Rowett is privately convinced the 20-year-old would be interested in exploring the possibility of a move to St Andrews, he has so far been unable to tempt United to the negotiating table.

City’s latest proposal, which is believed to contain the promise of a sell-on clause and around £500,000 worth of performance related payments, fell short of United’s valuation of a player who made 41 appearances last season. Wigan Athletic and Huddersfield Town are also known to have monitored Adams’ progress in recent months although sources close to the John Smith’s Stadium insist David Wagner’s team has now concluded its business during this summer’s transfer window.

Wilder, who will shortly reach a decision on Alex Davey’s future in South Yorkshire after the Chelsea defender arrived on trial, added: “As I’ve always said, until something else happens, if something else happens, we’ll sit tight and Che is part of our group. His attitude’s been good and he’s working hard.”